LETTERS: LET'S WORK THROUGH EMOTIONAL WRECKAGE

To the editor:

I wish to give the Jackson Board of Education a public letter of thanks. Thank you for listening to us Tuesday night. Thank you for your patience as we cajoled and complained, griped and harangued. Thank you for taking a good, positive step toward bringing closure to this issue with your decision to suspend one of the students.

I confess I left the meeting with a feeling of frustration that nothing would, or could, change. My frustration was directed at the system, though at times, I feel the board undeservedly received the brunt of our frustration. I've asked Superintendent Anderson to put my name on the committee that will draft future considerations for rules of eligibility.

I also wish to remind the citizens of Jackson this is not a time to celebrate. Several families on both sides of this issue still hurt deeply. The board's move is an act of justice. With justice comes closure, then forgiveness and eventually healing.

A first step in the right direction has been made. Let us quietly give thanks and humbly work, with openness and honesty, through the emotional wreckage this incident has brought our community.

The REV. GRANT F.C. GILLARD

First Presbyterian Church

Jackson